TROOP STATEMENT REGARDING RESPONSIBILTIES OF SCOUTS AND PARENTS

   As we begin another scout year, we would like to take a few minutes to discuss what we feel are the responsibilities of scouts and their parents. With your cooperation, we can make your son’s scouting experience enjoyable and rewarding. The responsibilities of the scouts and parents are fairly simple.  Listed below are some of the scouts’ responsibilities:

   

1. They should attend the scout meetings in full uniform.  We realize that there will be occasions when a scout may miss a meeting because of an extraordinary amount of homework, CCD, a game, etc., but every effort should be made by the scout to attend the meetings.  Budgeting time and setting priorities and goals are part of what scouting is trying to teach the scouts.
 
2. Scouts should try to attend the camping weekends.  We realize that most scouts are playing youth sports, but we intentionally schedule September and October campouts at Camp Squanto or other Plymouth camps to allow the boys to both camp and play their games.  The activities on the camping weekends enable the scouts to work on the requirements needed for rank advancement, including the development of required leadership skills.
 
3. Scouts should attend at least one week of summer camp.  This not only allows the boys to develop social skills and camaraderie, but they will earn required badges that are not normally offered by the troop.
 
4.     Scouts should sign up and do the merit badges that are offered at the troop level.  We have numerous adults who are willing to be merit badge counselors.  The boys should take advantage of this resource.
 
5. Scouts should attend Troop Courts of Honor (October and April) and Eagle Court of Honors.  We realize that the younger scouts may not know the Eagle candidates, but it is only right that they attend the Eagle Court of Honors so they can be with the troop as the Eagle Scout is recognized for his achievement.  When the time comes for them to have their Eagle Court of Honor, they are going to want their troop members to be there.
 
6. Scouts should take care of troop equipment they have in their possession.
 
7.  Scouts should respond in a timely manner to the trip sheets.

 

  The parents’ responsibilities are as follows:  

1.  Ensure that your sons are meeting their responsibilities.
2. Encourage your sons to participate in troop events.  Since most scouts are dependent upon their parents for transportation, their participation is directly related to your willingness to bring them there.  You should work out carpools if there are problems in getting your sons to meetings, campouts, etc.
3. Handle the financial aspects in a timely manner.  This means paying dues, trip deposits, etc. by the due   dates.  If you have a problem with meeting the schedule, please contact Ellen Hardy so an optional schedule can be made.
4. Parents should attend parents’ meetings.  This provides you with the opportunity to discuss and participate in the planning of troop activities.
5. Parents should attend Troop and Eagle Courts of Honor.  This shows your support for your son and the scouting program.